6. to make up for; make amends for; offset (some fault, shortcoming, etc.)

7. to obtain the release or restoration of, as from captivity, by paying a ransom.

8. Theologically - to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner.

I think it is very appropriate that we begin this Sunday on this series. Friday we had our national observation of Veterans Day. We can look at the sacrifices that have been made by our men and women in the armed services as a redemptive work in the sense that they have willing placed themselves in harms way and have discharged or fulfilled a duty that is not forced upon them but that they willingly entered into. It is their sacrifices that have allowed us to vote for a president of our choice. It is their faithfulness to their charge that enables us to continue to meet here in this building and express our faith the way we do.

1You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?

6Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 7Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. 8The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

10All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” 12The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” 13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.